This 57 was running decent all summer except it had no power pulling up hills. Then it died because it was starved of fuel. Instead of looking into the mechanical fuel pump on the 85 HP 6 cylinder in this international harvester Metro the mechanics I took it to put on any electronic pump in only to realize it still did the same thing. Said it ran like hell when they drove it around spraying carb cleaner into it. He also suggested I find a F-150 6 cylinder and transmission and swap out the original for something more reliable and modern. Wondering in Michigan http://pinterest.com/pin/235946467949044506/
Spraying carb cleaner to make it run is one of the dumber ideas I've heard of only thing worse is starting fluid. You need mechanics that actually know how to diagnose and fix something. You have to remember those trucks were not make for highway use,local delivery was their game. Any sort of hill and you dropped a gear and went slowly! A compression check should have been the first order of biz ,if that was OK a valve adjustment and plug/points.Then check fuel system for issues.
John, Thanks for that. I was wondering as much. I really appreciate you putting it into perspective. John Roos
I have to agree with the above 2 posts,. As far as the poll goes, what is your ultimate goal? do you want something that drives, and doesnt matter whats under the hood? Do you want a original cruiser? Its your choice, and the direction is yours ultimatly. I voted to change it, cuz its what I would do to add A/C. No other reason, its what I would do.
Thanks for taking my poll. I'll let ya'll know what the compression check, and if there is anything stuck in the carb. It will for sure need a new gas tank and sending unit. Thanks again.
Just got done checking the compression 90 psi across the board. How can I say it another way? 6 cylinders all at 90 psi. It's an old engine. Original equipment from 1957.
IF you did not block the carb wide open when you did that test and with a cold engine those numbers are not bad for that engine. I would guess your engine is a SD220.
John, Thanks for the reply. I'll talk to the guys tomorrow. But my guess is the carb was not blocked wide open and I know the engine was cold so I guess there is hope. Thanks John
For anyone who's looking at this thread. The story keeps changing. I just posted some photos to an album called BD220 and here is a shot of the 6 cylinder with the head off. Stay tuned